ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – The Alaska Zoo’s female polar bear Ahpun passed away on Dec. 31, 2017. Originally arriving at the Alaska Zoo in March 1998 as a 31-pound cub after she was orphaned outside of Point Lay, Alaska, Ahpun lived to be 20 years old and grew to just over 700 pounds. The average lifespan for a polar bear in the wild is 15 to 18 years.

Spread the spirit of giving and visit your animal friends at the Alaska Zoo! It's the annual Christmas for the Animals celebration on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 3 – 6 p.m. Bring the whole family to this fun and festive food drive that collects much-needed supplies for the resident animals who all made Santa’s nice list this year. Stroll through the bright lights as you drop goodies in the animal’s over-sized stockings and enjoy holiday tunes.